A novel approach to background reduction in double beta decay experiments

TL;DR

This paper proposes using Cerenkov emission in bolometric crystals as a new method for background reduction in neutrinoless double beta decay experiments, potentially expanding material options.

Contribution

It introduces Cerenkov emission as an alternative to scintillation for background reduction in calorimetric double beta decay searches, with a focus on TeO$_2$ crystals.

Findings

Cerenkov emission can be detected in bolometric crystals.

TeO$_2$ crystals exhibit suitable optical properties for this method.

The approach could improve sensitivity in double beta decay experiments.

Abstract

Active background reduction in high resolution calorimeters is a promising approach to achieve ultimate sensitivity in neutrinoless double beta decay experiments. We propose Cerenkov emission from beta rays in bolometric crystals as a viable alternative to scintillation. This novel approach could broaden the range of materials of interest for calorimetric searches of the double beta decay. We discuss the optical properties of TeO$_2$ crystals, as a show case.